Stock missed the end of the season because of the operation

Doncaster Rovers midfielder Brian Stock says he is fit and ready for next season following a back operation.

The 27-year-old missed the last six weeks of last season to undergo surgery on his troublesome back after suffering discomfort for some time.

He told BBC Radio Sheffield that he hoped the operation would help.

"I decided to have the operation when we were more or less safe from relegation and everything has gone to plan," he said.

Stock is now back to full fitness and has been enjoying Rovers' pre-season training, which has included a tough team bonding trip to the Lake District with no luxuries.

"Its something we're not really used to. There was no sign of any footballs for four days, we had no mobile phones and we had hiking boots."

"We could only ring landline numbers and I couldn't remember hardly any of them."

Looking to the season ahead, Stock believes Rovers will be able to cope without Richie Wellens, who has moved to Leicester City.

"Richie is a massive loss but we've got players in the squad who can fill that place.

"I'm sure the manager will bring one or two new players, but it's something we're quite comfortable with, considering the amount of ball players we have in the team."

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